Guidelines on the use of ultrasound guidance for vascular access

Insertion of vascular access is a common procedure with potential for iatrogenic events, some of which can be serious. The spread of ultrasound scanners in operating rooms, intensive care units and emergency departments has made ultrasound-guided catheterisation possible. The first guidelines were published a decade ago but are not always followed in France. The French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care has decided to adopt a position on this issue through its Guidelines Committee in order to propose a limited number of simple guidelines. The method used was the GRADE(®) method using the most recently published meta-analyses as the source of references. The level of evidence found ranged from low to high and all the positive aspects associated with ultrasound guidance, i.e. fewer traumatic complications at puncture, probably or definitely outweigh the potential adverse consequences regardless of whether an adult or child is involved and regardless of the site of insertion.